What opportunities do I have in the Army at 42 years old, prior service?

My suggestion is talk to recruiters in all branches and components. Guard and reserve careers will still get you a retirement even if you can’t get full-time AGR. I’m an accidental career AGR so it can happen. Get the services competing against each other. They need YOU so make them work for it. Take the offer that best works for you. Don’t forget about the Coast Guard either. Great people though promotions are slow due to few people wanting to leave. Also, if all military branches fall through look into the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. They could probably use someone with a chemistry degree.

You need to go speak to your local recruiter. And go today, chances are, they are working. I’m currently a recruiter and will tell you that the age information you’re receiving is not true. From a recruiting point of view with prior service they take your Age: 42 and subrtract your years of service : 8. Therefore from a recruiting point of view you are actually 34. You’re extremely close to the cutoff on age. If this is something you want, talk to a recruiter today.

I spoke with a recruiter. My age is a factor but I am right there. I have more options if I look into Amedd which she referred me to. So now waiting to see if I can get in touch with a recruiter.

I am back at the drawing board and think I should actually use my Chemistry degree. Thank you all for your advice and thank you all for your service.

I do not know what your back ground is regarding the ability to gain a clearance, since you are likely to old for re-entry, you may want to look into Customs and Border Protection Agricultural or Chemistry assignment at one of their labs. One is uniform the other is not. The Chemists our of uniform have no age limit. You would likely require a waiver for the Agriculture Specialist. They do not carry a weapon.

If you're past the cut off age for service you may want to consider applying to work as an Army Civilian and use that Chemistry Degree.

Speak with a National Guard and Regular Army Recruiter. An actual Officer Recruiter. Specifically ask them for the updated MILPERs which have the latest age restrictions for OCS wether state or federal. Same thing for enlisted contracts. In order to cut out all the misleading information, seek a recruiter, or seek multiple recruiters. A lot of folks base information on what they think they knew from 5-10 years ago. Speak in doctrine and formal correspondence... Fact based.

You should have reenlisted the first time.
Most likely your 60% disability will not make you eligible for world-wide duty assignments.
It's nice you have a B.A. in Chemistry - become a High School teacher.
The only job that chemistry knowledge is useful for enlisted people is 'bomb disposal.'
You already know what kinds of job the Army has and was chemistry knowledge a needed skill?
Typically, the rule is that you must be able to have 20 years time left to get retirement by age 65 tops.
But, I believe that the years prior service are taken into consideration.
If you can't 'fight' and do world-wide duty then forget it.
To start become a substitute teacher, like I did, and if you qualify by the rules of your state and you accept phone calls from principals at 6 am to show up to class and you sign up for many schools in your district you could work daily for about $100 - $120 a day with contributions to the teacher's retirement plans.

Im active reserve and Im in the process of switching into the Army as my 3rd branch of service. I think you have a few things to consider. Will you medically qualify at 60% disabled? I just went through the physical and there is more scrutiny if you are in your 40's like me. Don't forget, you may be on the line for active Army but reserve is retirement by 60 minus your active duty years in. So for the reserves/guard you have a six year cushion. What are you looking to do in the Army now?

Just remember you cannot draw disability and military pay together. I am 60% myself and I drill for points only. I get paid for AT and when I go to school. I keep that money separate to pay back the VA. Kind of sucks drilling for free but hey I look at it for the long hall of getting Retirement. Plus, my mil tech jobs requires me being in the Reserves. Best of luck to you SGT Mrs V